Properly Hydrating with Ciara Shea, FNTP

Properly Hydrating with Ciara Shea, FNTP
Properly Hydrating & Benefits of Chlorophyll Water
Ciara Shea
ORA Nutrition & Wellness
Long Island, NY
J.D., FNTP (Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner) 

Brief Introduction/Tell Us About yourself (where you are from, etc)

I’m Ciara, Juris Doctor, Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, co-host of The Fiercely Holistic Podcast, owner of ORA Nutrition & Wellness, wife, and mama to a sweet-natured toddler. 
As a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I provide a holistic, individualized approach to health. My foundational and functional approach focuses on the importance of a properly prepared, nutrient-dense, whole food diet paired with a well-balanced lifestyle.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in nutrition?

After graduating from law school, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Through her eight-month battle with cancer, I found power in knowing that food itself is medicine. With that new-found passion, I went back to school for Nutritional Therapy.

What kind of training did you undergo/certification you received?

I attended the Nutritional Therapy Association and received a certification as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. 

What do people look for in a health coach, nutritionist or dietician?

People look for someone educated yet empathetic. So many people struggle when it comes to nutrition and lifestyle, so they need guidance, but also a coach who will take the time to understand them and their individual needs. 

If you could persuade people to change three things about their diet, what would they be?

  1. Drink more water, without question. 
  2. Ditch the sugary drinks and snacks, they’re wreaking havoc on your health. 
  3. Eat nutrient-dense whole foods! They’re packed with all of the macronutrients and micronutrients your body needs to stay healthy. 

How important is it to properly hydrating throughout the day?

Water is THE most important nutrient in our bodies. Every single cell in your body relies on a properly hydrated body to do its job.

How much water should someone drink in a day?

The basic formula is half your body weight in fluid ounces. So for example, a 140lb person should drink 70 ounces of water per day as their base. However, for every 8oz of diuretic, like coffee, soda, juice, or caffeinated teas, you should add another 12oz of water to your day. 

What are the benefits of purified water?

Water provides SO many benefits to the body! It flushes toxins, transports nutrients, improves oxygen delivery to cells, and cushions bones and joints, just to name a few!

Plant based living is becoming more and more popular. When eating a mostly plant based / vegetarian diet, are there certain foods to focus on to make sure we’re getting enough nutrients and protein?

An omnivorous diet is ideal. Eating lots of organic vegetables, with a focus on leafy greens, will provide a wide array of nutrients. The best sources of complete protein are quinoa, hemp seeds, and chia seeds
.

Speaking of plant based, what are some of the benefits of drinking chlorophyll water / benefits of liquid chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is a wonderful “blood builder” as it can potentially increase the count of red blood cells and improve their quality. Chlorophyll also helps improve digestion and liver detoxification while reducing inflammation. 

What’s your favorite source of antioxidants that you recommend?

Organic fruits and vegetables, without question!

What’s one of your favorite organic/natural supplements or vitamins you recommended?

Seeking health is a great, reputable company with high-quality supplements. 

Any favorite health / nutrition podcasts or books you recommend to our readers?

YES! My own! It’s called The Fiercely Holistic Podcast and can be found anywhere podcasts are playing. On Instagram @thefiercelyholisticpodcast 

Where can our readers find you? (Instagram, Facebook, etc)

IG: @oranutrition 
FB: @oranutrition